Study for St. Anne 1501

"Study for St. Anne" is a preparatory drawing by Leonardo da Vinci created in 1501. This charcoal drawing is a study for his famous painting "The Virgin and Child with St. Anne". The composition showcases the figures of the Virgin Mary, baby Jesus, and St. Anne. Da Vinci's mastery of sfumato, a technique for creating soft transitions between light and shadow, is evident in the preliminary work. The drawing illustrates da Vinci's process of composition and his approach to capturing the human form.